Bath-mat.



R. V. ZI MMERMAN.

' BATH MAT.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 14, 1912.

"1, PatentedJ une 24,1913.

WITNESSES: l/VVE/VTOR M 1 RUDOLPH V. ZIMMER-MA-N.

LUMBIA PLANOGRAPH CO WASHINGTON D c UNITED STATES PATENT @FFIQE.

RUDOLPH V. ZIMMFRMAN, OF ALEXANDRIA, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO ALFRED H. W'OODWARD, F ALEXANDRIA, INDIANA.

v BATH-1VIAT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 14, 1912.

Patented June 2 1, 1913. Serial No. 731,350.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, the undersigned, RU- DOLPH V. ZIMMERMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Alexandria, in the county of Madison and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bath-Mats, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a new and useful article of manufacture in the form of a bath mat.

The object of the invention is to provide a mat of Water proof fabric suitable for use in bath rooms or in fact, any similar place where it is desired to prevent the dripping water from reaching the floor surface, and which mat may conveniently be picked up and transported with its contents without risk of spilling, prior to emptying or discharging same.

A further object is to provide a mat that is simple and economical of construction, strong and durable and capable of being easily handled for the discharging 0f the contents therefrom.

A further object is to provide a mat so constructed that it is capable of being collapsed or folded for packing and transportmg.

In the drawings Figure 1 shows the mat spread out; Fig. 2 the mat lifted with contents, Fig. 3 the mat being tipped to empty contents, and Fig. 4 a detail showing the action of the wire support clips. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing specifically the form of the support-clip.

The mat is constructed of a water proof or non-porous fabric 6 of rectangular form of suitable dimensions, the four edges 1 being hemmed over a suitable extent and the corners 2 being pocketed or doubled over in a triangular fashion and secured. Stiflening rods 3 are fitted into the hems around the edges and are arranged one or more lengths in each edge, preferably three short rods in each of the four edges, each running one-third across as indicated ata, a, a, so the fabric may bend at locations between the ends of the rods.

When the mat is spread out as in Fig. 1 it is necessary to maintain the edges upright so there will be no escape of any liquid it may contain, thisI accomplish by means of.

formed wire clips 4 of the form illustrated in detail in Fig. 5. Each has its end portions bent around the edge of the mat and the rod contained in the hem; the prongs or ends 4* of these clips extend at a suitable angle and in alinement to lie against the underside of the hem and rod. The body portions of the clips will rest naturally on the floor beneath the mat, and, as shown extend upwardly a short distance before reaching the point of fastening at the edge of the mat, thus the edges of the mat are effectively supported as shown in Figs. 1 and 1. Three of these clip supports are attached to each of the four edges so that the mat practically forms a large water tight dish or tray.

For lifting the mat from the floor, cords 5 are attached centrally at each edge, the cords being preferably formed in loops as shown. When folding the mat for packing, the cords are thrown inwardly as shoWn at 5 In using the mat, it is opened up and then spread out flat, as shown in Fig. 1, conveniently to step into. After it has been used it is lifted by the four loops (Fig. 2) and the contents may then be discharged (Fig. 3). It will be seen that the edges bend or double over when the mat is picked up and while the outside shows an opening 6 quite low, still the fold inside is up at a much higher point 7, so that a capacity entirely ample is maintained and there is no risk of premature overflow of the liquid contents. The act of emptying of the mat is very simple and is plainly shown in Fig. 3. By bending the fabric at a point between any two of the stiffening rods a spout is formed-then by simply raising the mat at the opposite sidetiltingitthe contents may be poured therefrom.

The simplicity and convenience in handling of the mat, as well as the effective maintaining of the edges thereof in the ralsed position when spread out for use is accomplished by the peculiar forming of the fabric at its edges and at its corners, as shown, and the combination therewith of the stiffening rods and bent wire clips.

A mat constructed in accordance with this invention is economical of manufacture, rugged and durable, and is capable of being easily manipulated and made use of.

. hat I claim as my invention and dc sire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A bath mat comprising a water tight fabric of rectangular form, stiffening rods composed of three separate lengths attached to each of the four edges of the fabric, formed Wire edge supporting devices attached to the edges of the fabric centrally With each length of stiffening rod and means attached centrally to each of the four edges of the fabric for lifting the mat.

2. A bath mat comprising a Water tight fabric of rectangular form, stiffening rods composed of three separate lengths suitably attached to each of the four edges of the fabric, wire supporting devices formed in V loops and attached to each length of stiffening rod, the loop end of the supporting devices being bent at right angles near the center thereof to form supporting feet, and cords extending from each of the four edges.

8. A bath mat comprising a Water tight fabric of rectangular form having its edges formed to provide a dish like receptacle and the corners doubled over or otherwise closed, stiffening rods secured to each of the four edges and composed. of" three lengths to each edge thereby permitting the edge to double over at two points in its length, devices for supporting the edges consisting of formed Wire loops suitably fastened centrally to each length of the stiffening rods, the said loops being bent at an angle to form supporting feet, cords attached to the edges for lifting the mat wherein the cornerrods cause the corner portion of the mat to double back permitting the central body to form a deep receptacle for retaining liquidj contents.

In testimony whereof I, my signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

, RUDOLPH V. ZI'MM-E RMIAN.

WVitnesses A FR D H, WOODWABD, THOMAS L. RYAN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

